The NCCER HVAC Level 1 Certification exam is a professional assessment designed to evaluate the technical knowledge of individuals across nine distinct trade domains. This extensive exam consists of 97 questions that must be completed within a duration of 180 minutes. Candidates are required to achieve a passing score of 70 to demonstrate their competency in the field.
This certification is intended for apprentices and entry-level technicians who are currently working within the HVAC trade, building their technical skills, and seeking to obtain official NCCER recognition for their demonstrated knowledge level and professional commitment.
To prepare for this assessment, candidates should review each NCCER module to ensure a complete understanding of the material. Focus your study efforts on solving trade-related math problems involving lines, area, volume, weights, angles, pressure, vacuum, and temperature. Additionally, practice basic electrical principles, cooling cycles, and various piping techniques to ensure you are ready for the exam questions.
Covers basic principles of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, career opportunities in HVACR, apprenticeship programs, basic safety principles, trade licensure, EPA guidelines, and the Laws of Thermodynamics for all new technicians.
Focuses on solving HVACR trade-related problems involving the measurement of lines, area, volume, weights, angles, pressure, vacuum, and temperature, along with a review of scientific notation, powers, roots, algebra, and geometry for field applications.
Introduces the concept of power generation and distribution, common electrical components, AC and DC circuits, electrical safety as it relates to the HVAC field, and reading and interpreting wiring diagrams for system troubleshooting.
Covers fundamentals of heating systems and the combustion process, different types and designs of gas furnaces and their components, basic installation and service procedures, and temperature measurement calculations for residential and commercial heating units.
Explains fundamental operating concepts of the refrigeration cycle, common refrigerants, principles of heat transfer, pressure-temperature relationships, major components of cooling systems, and controls including temperature switches used in modern air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
Describes factors related to air movement and its measurement in common air distribution systems, mechanical equipment and materials used, and basic system design principles for hot and cold climates to ensure proper airflow.
Explains how to identify types of copper tubing and fittings used in the HVACR industry, how they are mechanically joined, push-to-connect and press-to-connect fittings, plastic piping application, and pressure testing refrigerant lines for leaks.
Explains how to identify equipment, techniques, and materials used to safely join copper tubing through soldering and brazing, required personal protective equipment, preparation, work processes, and procedures for brazing copper to various dissimilar materials.
Explains how to identify various carbon steel piping materials and fittings, covering the joining and installation of threaded and grooved carbon steel piping systems including detailed threading and grooving techniques for industrial HVAC applications.
Manage your time effectively across the 180-minute duration to answer all 97 questions. Check with NCCER regarding any specific testing policies, identification requirements, or facility rules before you arrive at your scheduled exam session.
There are 97 questions on the exam, covering nine distinct domains that span trade mathematics, electrical principles, piping practices, and heating and cooling systems for technicians.
The passing score for the exam is 70. Candidates must meet or exceed this score to successfully demonstrate proficiency in the required HVAC trade competencies and earn their credential.
The exam has a duration of 180 minutes, providing candidates with sufficient time to address all 97 multiple-choice questions across the various module domains included in the test.
This exam is certified by NCCER, which develops standardized craft training and credentialing programs for the construction and maintenance industries to ensure high standards of professional performance.
Verified 2026-09-13
This page was built using official NCCER program guides and published curriculum details to provide accurate exam structures, question counts, durations, and domain breakdowns for all prospective certification candidates.